US-led Coalition in Iraq & Syria

Civilians in the ruins of Mosul city. (Maranie R. Staab)

Belligerent
US-led Coalition
Country
Iraq
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

CS1628

Incident date

October 3, 2017

Location

البدو, Raqqa city: Baidou neighbourhood, Ar Raqqah, Syria

Geolocation

35.959, 38.9999 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

13 civilians were killed – including nine from one family – due to the “bombing of the International Air Force on the city of Raqqa during the battle for control of the city”. Kurdish news agency Hawar later published an interview with a survivor named as Yazan Abdulrahman Mohammad, in which it was stated that in fact named nine family members had died in the event. According to the report itself, the family died during ISIS shelling of the building in which they were sheltering. However in the accompanying video interview, Mr Mohammad in fact blames their deaths on a “missile from a plane.” Field research done by Amnesty International reported that four of the victims were neighbours. Amnesty reported that nine family members died along with four neighbours in an airstrike on a four storey house in Hadeeqat al Bayda. This was their family home however the neighbours were Internally Displaced People.

During investigations of this event for the April 2019 joint Airwars and Amnesty report War in Raqqa: Rethoric versus Reality (www.raqqa.amnesty.org), Amnesty field researchers interviewed Yazan about this incident and established the exact location of it. The report notes: “An airstrike on a four-storey building in the Hadeeqat al Bayda neighbourhood killed nine members of the Subhi family and four of their neighhours.” Yazan said the following: “Every one in my family was killed in the strike, as well as our next door neighbours, who had come to stay with us because their house had been bombed the previous day. 19 were killed in that strike.” The strike of the previous day, in which 19 members of the next door neighbours were killed can be found under the following incident code: CS1634. The investigation also found that the strike took place at 5pm on October 3rd, 2017, rather than on October 17, as Airwars had initially reported.

The incident occured at 17:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (9)

Abdelrahman Mohammed Ali Ibn Mohamed Subhi
56 years old male Yazan's father killed
Fatima Aziz Imu
49 years old female Wife of Abdelrahman Mohammed Ali Ibn Mohamed Subhi killed
Badria A’Rahman Mohammed Ali
45 years old female Sister of Badria A’Rahman Mohammed Ali killed
Safyah A’Rahman Mohammed Ali
55 years old female Sister of Abdelrahman Mohammed Ali Ibn Mohamed Subhi killed
Mohammed Subhi
77 years old male Father of Abdul Rahman killed
Hassan A’Rahman Mohammed Ali
12 years old male Son of Abdelrahman and Fatima, brother of Yazan killed
Marwa
12 years old female Daughter of Safyah A’Rahman Mohammed Ali killed
Walaa
10 years old female Daughter of Safyah A’Rahman Mohammed Ali killed
Fatima Barakah
73 years old female Abdelrahman's mother killed

Family members (3)

Abu Abdo
47 years old male neighbour staying with Subhi killed
Aya
17 years old female Abu Abdo's daughter killed
Mohammed
12 years old male Abu Abdo's son killed

The victims were named as:

Walid Abu Mohammed
37 years old male eighbour staying with Subhi killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13
  • (5 children4 women4 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Abdul Rahman Mohammed Ali and his wife, Fatima Amo, killed in an alleged Coalition strike on Raqqah, 16th October 2017 (via Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

  • Building in which 13 civilians were killed, before the strike (September 29, 2017)

    Imagery:
    Amnesty International

  • Building in which 13 civilians were killed, after the strike (October 10, 2017)

    Imagery:
    Amnesty International

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Insufficient information on the time and location
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Raqqah, Syria
    Nearest population center

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 28, 2018
  • October 16, 2017, near Raqqah, Syria, via Airwars report. The report contains insufficient information of the time, location and details to assess its credibility.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 16th-17th it noted: “Near Raqqah, three strikes suppressed three ISIS communication lines.” The last reported strikes prior to this were on October 12th.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13
  • (5 children4 women4 men)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1657 RS2668

Incident date

November 1, 2017

Location

البصيرة, Al Busayrah, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

35.15618, 40.42716 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two named civilians died and up to 23 others were wounded in an airstrike on al Busayrah according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether the US-led Coalition or Russia were to blame.

Baladi, Jisr TV and Sharqiya Voice all blamed the Coalition.

Euphrates Post reported “the martyrdom of the young man Abdul Muttalib Mohammed Hassan Al-Ali and the injury of his cousins: Abdul Qadir Taleb al-Hassan (critical injury), Yasser Abdul Samad Al Hassan and Abd al-Shafi Saleh al-Hassan. All casualties were the result of air strikes targeting the house of Abdul Samad Dawood al-Hassan”.

However 7al blamed Russia for carrying out six raids, putting the death toll at “two young people” and injury of 23 more.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male cousin of Aboud injured
Age unknown male cousin of Aboud injured
Age unknown male cousin of Aboud injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–23
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Aboud Talib Dawood Hassan Al Ali Ahmad Al Khalid, killed in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Busayrah, 1st November 2017. (via Deir free tweet)
  • A victim of an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Busayrah, 1st November 2017. (via Euphrates)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of al Busayrah (البصيرة), for which the coordinates are: 35.15618, 40.42716

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Oct 26, 2018
  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For November 1st-2nd: “Near Abu Kamal, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit and destroyed an ISIS vehicle. Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes engaged three ISIS tactical units, destroying a fighting position and damaging a line of communication.”

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–23
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Russian Military

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1720

Incident date

February 2, 2018

Location

البحرة, Al Bahra village, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.74226, 40.76953 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple sources reported the death of eleven civilians and seven or more wounded in an alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Bahra village, northwest of the town of Hajin.

A tweet from @BassamJaara was the only source with an estimated tally of more than 30 casualties, claiming that: “More than 30 people, mostly children and women, were killed by US air strikes on the village of Al-Bahra northwest of the Hajeen city of Deir Al-Zour yesterday.” A tweet by @CkmKZSiHpiYW0c1 mentioned “dozens” of civilians were injured by an “aerial bombardment of international coalition”.

Most other sources however, reported instead eleven slain and seven injured civilians – with some reports specifically mentioning “US airstrikes”.

According to a number of local reports, the strikes hit a hospital in the rural town. This was later also noted by the Syrian Network for Human Rights, which said that the airstrikes rendered the makeshift hospital inoperable.

In February 2019, the Coalition assessed this event to be non-credible. Their report noted: “After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

In May 2019, the Coalition appear to have re-assessed this allegation, still resulting in a non-credible assessment. Their report noted, “after a review of all available strike records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 30
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Photo of the alleged Coalition airstrike on Al Bahra (via Ahmad Al Shbli).
  • The aftermath of the alleged Coalition airstrike on a hospital in Al Bahra (via Ahmad Al Shbli).
  • A stills image from an ISIS proaganda video said to show Coalition strikes on al Bahra February 2nd 2018
  • Image from the SNHR published by Bellingcat showing the aftermath of an alleged coalition attack on a hospital in al-Bahra in Deir Ezzor on February 2nd, 2018.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    Other
  • Stated location
    near al-Bahra, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU619458
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • May 31, 2019
  • Feb 28, 2019
  • Feb. 2, 2018, near al-Bahra, Syria via Airwars report. After review of all available strike records it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.

  • Feb. 2, 2018, near al-Bahra, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available strike records it was determined that, more likely than not, civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For February 2nd the Coalition reported: “On Feb. 2 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of 16 engagements against ISIS targets.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    11 – 30
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1750

Incident date

May 12, 2018

Location

هداج, Hadaj, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.03078, 41.05519 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that up to ten civilians were killed, including five women and four children, in an alleged Coalition airstrike on the village of Hadaj.

A tweet by @NDhoms1 was the only source stating that “10 civilians, including 8 women and children” died. All other sources specifically mentioned the death of “five women and four children” as a result of a Coalition raid. A report by Eldorar made mention of “several others” injured in the attack.

Both Alikhbaria.Sy – a pro-regime news organisation – and RT Arabic mentioned the strike on Hadaj and the above-mentioned incident in al Hammadi, CS1749, in the same report.

However, the US-led Coalition publicly reported no air or artillery strikes in Hassakah governorate for this date.

In the first of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The incident was first reported on May 12, 2018 at 5:00 am by .

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 10
  • (4 children5 women2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • 'Washington-based international coalition planes are committing a massacre in the village of Hadaj in the southern countryside of province, killing 10 civilians, including 8 women and children'

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Hadaj (هداج), for which the coordinates are: 36.030780, 41.055190

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFV851893
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • May 12, 2018, in Hadaj, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3168/CS1750 37SFV851893

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For May 12th, the Coalition did not publicly report any strikes in the Hasaka governorate.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9 – 10
  • (4 children5 women2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1781

Incident date

July 16, 2018

Location

الباغوز, Al Baghouz Fawqani, Deir ez-Zor, Syria

Geolocation

34.4641667, 40.9452778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ten or thirteen civilians, including women and children, were killed when the village of al Baghouz was targeted by alleged Coalition airstrikes, two local sources said.

According to Sound and Picture, Coalition aircraft targeted a “civilian gathering” on the morning of July 16th and reported an initial toll of “10 martyrs from one family, mostly children and women.”

Step News Agency also identified the Coalition as the culprit, but reported a higher tally of thirteen civilians killed and an unspecified number of civilians injured, “including serious cases”. A correspondent for the media outlet specifically noted that the incident took place “after the bombing of al Sousse” – referencing event CS1780.

In the first of their September 2020 civilian casualty reports, the US-led Coalition assessed reports that they were responsible for civilian harm in this strike as “non-credible”, stating that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area at that time.

The incident occured between 7:00 am and 12:00 pm local time.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 13
  • (3 children3 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident (first reported at noon, July 16) mention that the alleged Coalition airstrike targeted a civilian gathering in the town of al Baghouz, for which the coordinates are: 34.4641667, 40.9452778

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU786153
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 9, 2020
  • July 16, 2018, in Baghouz, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3172/CS1781 37SFU786153

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

The Coalition publicly reported at the time that: “On July 16 in Syria, Coalition military forces conducted four strikes consisting of four engagements against Daesh targets. Near Abu Kamal, four strikes engaged one Daesh tactical unit, and destroyed one Daesh vehicle, two Daesh supply routes and one Daesh-held building."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

From July 11th to 17th, France report that Task Force Wagram carried out six artillery ‘shooting missions’ in the Euphrates Valley. In total since the start of the offensive on May 1st, it’s conducted 195 shooting missions. Aircraft conducted 24 sorties but there were no airstrikes.

‘IRAK – SYRIE – CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie En Syrie, l’offensive contre les deux dernières emprises territoriales de Daech a marqué un temps d’arrêt durant quelques jours, afin de stabiliser les zones récemment libérées. L’objectif des forces démocratiques syriennes reste d’éviter que des éléments de Daech ne se laissent dépasser et tentent de conduire des actions sur leurs arrières. L’offensive a depuis repris. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak Pour contrer l’organisation terroriste, plusieurs opérations sont menées par les forces de sécurité irakienne en Ninive et dans le désert de l’Anbar. Elles ont permis cette semaine la destruction de plusieurs tunnels, la mise hors de combat de dizaines de terroristes et la neutralisation de nombreux engins explosifs improvisés. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Formation au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes Élaboré à la demande de l’état-major de la 6e division irakienne, un stage « combat en zone urbaine » a été conduit par la Task Force Monsabert du 9 au 12 juillet. Le format retenu pour cette instruction résulte de l’analyse des retours d’expériences français et irakiens sur l’importance de la maîtrise des actes élémentaires du combat en zone urbaine. Cette formation couvre les techniques de progression, de sécurisation de bâtiment, ainsi que l’ensemble des savoir-faire caractéristiques du combat en zone urbaine. Ce stage, qui s’inscrit dans une dynamique de long terme, devrait contribuer chaque mois à la formation de quinze soldats des bataillons commando de la 24e brigade. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate Les artilleurs de la Task Force Wagram demeurent engagés en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech dans la vallée de l’Euphrate. Depuis le lancement de l’offensive le 1er mai, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 195 missions de tirs, dont 6 sur la semaine écoulée (bilan du 11 au 17 juillet inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1854 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des operations Sur la semaine écoulée, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 24 sorties aériennes en appui des forces locales engagées au sol (bilan du 11 au 17 juillet inclus). Aucune frappe n’a été réalisée. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8238 sorties / 1453 frappes / 2244 objectifs neutralisés.’

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 13
  • (3 children3 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1803

Incident date

October 3, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.528889, 40.9675 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to four civilians from the same family including a baby girl (named as the daughter of Hamad Mussah Shahab) died in an alleged Coalition airstrike on a civilian home on Al Soussa, according to sources on the ground.

Sources reported that the Coalition carried out several strikes on the area amid violent clashes between the SDF and ISIS. All reports attributed the civilian harm to Coalition aircraft.

According to the Smart News Agency, “a girl was killed in a bombardment by the international Coalition on Wednesday [Oct 3rd], on the village of al Soussa. Local sources said that coalition aircraft targeted the house of the civilian Hussein al-Ali with an airstrike, resulting in the death of the girl and destruction in a residential neighbourhood”.

Masar Press said that three people died, while Sound and Picture and Step News Agency reported the death of a woman.

The highest death count was give at four (from the same family) by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Smart News additionally reported that a senior ISIS figure was injured during airstrikes on the town that day: “Earlier on Wednesday, coalition aircraft targeted the town of ِAl Sousse (126 km southeast of Deir al-Zour), led to the injuring of an official of the Zakat Bureau (Diwan Al Zakat) in Daesh, a source said.”

On March 10, 2022 in the CJTF-OIR Civilian Casualty Report, the Coalition reported this incident to be “non-credible”, stating that “After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Daughter of Hamad Mussah Shahab
Child female Infant killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 4
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Deir Ezzor 24 published an image of an infant reportedly killed in the October 3rd strike

Geolocation notes

Coordinates released by the Coalition place the event at 34.52889, 40.9675

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Open incident
  • Stated location
    near al Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU8057322558
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Mar 10, 2022
  • Oct. 3, 2018, near al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. After review of all available evidence it was determined that more likely than not civilian casualties did not occur as a result of a Coalition strike. 3192/CS1803 37SFU8057322558

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

For October 3rd 2018, the US-led Coalition reported the following:
“On Oct. 3 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted 11 strikes consisting of 12 engagements against ISIS targets. Near Abu Kamal, 11 strikes engaged 11 tactical units, and destroyed two fighting positions, two mortars, one compound, four supply routes and suppressed one staging area.”

UK Military
  • English
    /
    Original

Wednesday 3 October – Tornados, working with a Reaper, destroyed a mortar position in eastern Syria…With the Syrian Democratic Forces continuing their offensive against the last major pocket of Deash-held territory in eastern Syria, centred on Hajin, Royal Air Force aircraft have provided further intensive support. As in the previous month, a particular focus has been on terrorist positions north-east of Abu Kamal. On Wednesday 3 October, an RAF Reaper detected a Daesh mortar which was firing on SDF forces a short distance away. Two RAF Tornado GR4s were also on task in the area, and they struck the mortar position with a single Paveway IV guided bomb.

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For Sept 26th – Oct 3rd, Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during nine missions over Syria and Iraq. Weapons were deployed during four missions – in Deir Ezzor governorate, in the vicinity of Abu Kamal. ISIS weapons, a logistics warehouse and ISIS fighters were targeted.

‘Midden-Oosten In de strijd tegen terreurorganisatie ISIS ondersteunden Nederlandse F-16’s grondtroepen tijdens 9 missies boven de Syrische en Irak. Tijdens 4 missies zijn wapens ingezet. Dat gebeurde in de Syrische provincie Deir al Zour, in de omgeving van Abu Kamal. ISIS-wapenopstellingen, een logistieke opslagplaats en ISIS Strijders waren het doelwit.’

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For October 3rd-9th, France report that the three CAESAR guns of TF Wagram carried out 18 shooting missions from Iraq. In the same week, aircraft conducted three strikes north of Abu Kamal in Syria.

CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, se poursuit. La progression est rendue difficile, Daech ayant notamment recours à une vaste palette d’engins explosifs improvisés. La coalition poursuit son action en appui des forces démocratiques syriennes (FDS). Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) poursuivent leurs opérations de sécurisation qui ont permis la neutralisation d’abris, de caches et de matériel. Daech maintient sa stratégie d’évitement. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas connu d’évolution notable. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Cette semaine, les trois canons CAESAR de la TF Wagram ont réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 18 missions de tir (éclairement, fumigène, harcèlement – bilan du 03 au 09 octobre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 1947 missions de tirs. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 03 au 09 octobre inclus) et conduit trois frappes en appui des FDS au nord d’Abou Kamal en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8546 sorties / 1462 frappes / 2254 objectifs neutralisés. TF Monsabert et Narvik La Task Force Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’instruction de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille l’état-major de cette division et, ponctuellement, les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Ainsi, aux mois d’août et septembre, Monsabert a réalisé une dizaine de missions en différents lieux de Bagdad, notamment dans un hôpital de la ville ou pour rendre une expertise visant à préparer les travaux de construction d’un mur de protection. Début octobre, le « partenariat artillerie » a mené un audit du 106ème bataillon d’artillerie, ce qui a permis d’aider les Irakiens à planifier et conduire une campagne de tirs incluant, pour la première fois, des tirs de nuit.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 4
  • (1 child1 woman)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1830

Incident date

November 10, 2018

Location

السوسة, Al Sousse, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.528889, 40.9675 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The Step News Agency reported that the Coalition “bombed the eastern suburb of Deir Ezzor with white phosphorus last night [Nov 10th]. It also renewed  shelling of Hajin city and the town of al-Sousse”. It added that deaths were reported, but didn’t give numbers.

Al Khabar also claimed that white phosphorous was used, asserting that “the bombing left extensive destruction in affected neighbourhoods where the National Hospital remained the only building not destroyed.”

The Coalition accused unspecified forces (presumably Syrian regime) of conducting a significant number of additional strikes on the Hajin Pocket at this time.

In its October 2020 monthly civilian casualty review, the US-led Coalition classed this event as ‘non credible’, asserting that “After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–6
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    in al Soussa, Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    100 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU805225
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

Unknown
  • Oct 29, 2020
  • 6. Nov. 10, 2018, in al Soussa, Syria, via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3223/CS1830 37SFU805225

Original strike reports

Unknown

For November 10th, the Coalition publicly reported: "On Nov. 10 in Syria, coalition military forces conducted 23 strikes consisting of 36 engagements against ISIS targets.
Near Hajin, 23 strikes destroyed two command and control centers, one IED facility, one logistic facility, five buildings, four tunnels, two staging areas, six supply routes, one fighting position and one UAS launch site."

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

From Nov 7th – 13th, France reports that the three CAESAR guns carried out 49 ‘fire’ missions from the Iraqi territory – 35 illumination, 14 destruction. Aircraft conducted 18 sorties and 1 strike in support of forces on the ground in Syria.

‘CHAMMAL SITUATION MILITAIRE DU THEATRE Offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en Syrie L’opération pour reprendre la poche d’Hajine dans la moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, lancée le 10 septembre, marque actuellement un temps d’arrêt. Les forces démocratiques syriennes se réorganisent et consolident leurs positions avant de relancer leur offensive. Poursuite des actions de sécurisation en Irak En Irak, les opérations de sécurisation des forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) se poursuivent, avec un renforcement à la frontière irako-syrienne. Si Daech a perdu ses capacités militaires, l’organisation terroriste conserve une capacité de nuisance, notamment dans la région du plateau d’Hawija. ACTIVITE DE LA FORCE Le dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué de manière significative. La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’Euphrate La Task Force (TF) Wagram appuie l’offensive des forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech dans la région d’Hajine. Les trois canons CAESAR ont réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien, 49 missions de tir (35 éclairement, 14 destruction – bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus). Depuis le début de son engagement, la Task Force Wagram a réalisé 2101 missions de tirs. Les Task Forces Monsabert et Narvik poursuivent leurs missions de formation La TF Monsabert poursuit sa mission d’instruction de la 6ème division irakienne. Elle conseille l’état-major de cette division et, ponctuellement, les brigades qui lui sont subordonnées. Ainsi, du 5 au 11 novembre, un groupe d’instructeurs s’est rendu au poste de commandement de la 24ème brigade pour former pour former 20 stagiaires irakiens aux techniques du combat urbain. La TF Narvik forme et conseille les membres de l’Iraki Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS). Elle dispense actuellement des instructions au combat débarqué et au recueil de renseignement. Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérations Au sein de la coalition, les aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech. Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 7 au 13 novembre inclus) et conduit 1 frappe, en appui des FDS en Syrie. Bilan total de l’action du pilier appui aérien depuis le 19/09/14 : 8636 sorties / 1479 frappes / 2278 objectifs neutralises.’

Dutch Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For November 7th-13th, the Dutch MoD reported that Dutch F-16s supported ground troops during 8 missions in the fight against ISIS. Weapons were deployed in 3 missions near Deir Ezzor governorate, Syria. Targets were ISIS warehouses and fighting positions.

‘In het weekoverzicht van 7 t/m 13 November laat MinDef weten Nederlandse F-16’s te hebben ingezet ter ondersteuning van grondtroepen in de strijd tegen IS. Tijdens 8 missies werden 3 wapens ingezet boven Deir al Zour, Syrie. IS Opslagplaatsen en gevechtsposities zijn vernietigd.’

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–6
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attacker
    Unknown
  • Suspected target
    ISIS

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

CS1903

Incident date

March 3, 2019

Location

مخيم الباغوز, Al Baghouz camp, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

34.447579, 40.953426 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that the Coalition had renewed shelling on Al Baghouz after midnight on March 3rd 2019. One of the shells allegedly struck an ammunition depot that caused a large explosion in the camp. According to one local source, Hamah.Now, up to 250 civilians were killed and wounded in the event.

In a tweet, @Sakeraldeen reported that the only field hospital tent was set on fire, with dozens of wounded women and children inside. The source included a video that shows several burned bodies. He added that the Coalition used white phosphorus in the attack.

According to the Step News Agency on March 4th, “Coalition forces renewed shelling on the Al-Bagouz camp in the eastern suburb of Deir Al-Zour after midnight last night, targeting an ammunition depot which caused a large explosion in the camp, resulting in casualties among women and children amid the absence of any medical staff”.

sakeraldeen reported that “International Alliance aircraft targeted the only field hospital tent in the Al Baghouz camp with white phosphorus, which led to the burning of many tents  and burning of dozens of children and women”.

In a civilian casualty assessment released July 10th 2021, the Coalition classed this event as ‘non credible’, claiming that “After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties.”

The incident occured around midnight.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 250
  • (2–25 children2–25 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–250
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Video from the battleground in Al Baghouz on March 3rd 2019 (via @fahadiraq5).
  • Photo's of the alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Baghouz on March 3rd 2019 (via @The God Father10q).
  • Video of the alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Baghouz on March 3rd 2019 (via SDF).
  • Video of the alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Baghouz on March 3rd 2019 (via Alarabiya).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Video depicting the burned bodies of people who were killed in alleged Coalition airstrikes on Al Baghouz on March 3rd 2019 (via @sakeraldeen).

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SFU794135
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jul 10, 2021
  • Mar. 3, 2019, near al Baghouz, Syria via Airwars report. After a review of all available records it was assessed that no Coalition actions were conducted in the geographical area that corresponds to the report of civilian casualties. 3274/CS1903 37SFU794135

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition

Between Feb. 24 - March 9, 2019, CJTF-OIR conducted 99 strikes consisting of 139 engagements against Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq.In Syria, CJTF-OIR conducted 97 strikes consisting of 137 engagements, engaged 228 Daesh tactical units, and destroyed 71 tactical vehicles, 35 vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, 17 supply routes, 11 fighting positions, 10 weapons caches, eight staging areas, four command and control nodes, two tunnels, two heavy machine guns, one anti-aircraft gun, one fuel tanker, and one boat.

French Military
  • English
    /
    Original

For February 27th to March 5th, French MoD report 4 firing missions from the Iraqi territory by Task Force Wagram. Aircraft carried out 18 sorties. There was one strike.

CHAMMALSituation militaire du théâtreOffensive contre les dernières poches de Daech en SyrieEn moyenne vallée de l’Euphrate, les combats menés par les Forces démocratiques syriennes, appuyées par la coalition, se poursuivent autour de la ville de Baghouz.Poursuite des actions en IrakLa situation sécuritaire reste stable. Les Forces de sécurité intérieures poursuivent leur effort dans la lutte contre Daech.ACTIVITÉ DE LA FORCELe dispositif français déployé au Levant n’a pas évolué.La Task Force Wagram en appui de l’offensive contre les dernières poches de Daech présentes dans la vallée de l’EuphrateLa Task Force (TF) Wagram continue d’appuyer les forces démocratiques syriennes contre Daech au sud de la ville d’Hajin.La TF Wagram a réalisé, depuis le territoire irakien 4 missions de tir (soit 1 mission d’aveuglement et 3 missions de certification – bilan du 27 février au 05 mars inclus).Les bases aériennes en Jordanie et aux EAU en appui des opérationsLes aéronefs français basés en Jordanie et aux Émirats arabes unis poursuivent leurs actions contre Daech, au sein de la coalition.Cette semaine, les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal ont réalisé 18 sorties aériennes (bilan du 27 février au 05 mars inclus). Les Rafale français ont conduit une frappe cette semaine.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 250
  • (2–25 children2–25 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–250
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    US-led Coalition

Sources (12) [ collapse]